Environment - Cyprus
▪ Cyprus achieved a KEA performance of 5.43% compared to its target of 3.84% and did not contribute positively towards achieving the Union-wide target.
▪ The NSA states that the target was not met due to the inability to optimise traffic flows in the entirety of the Nicosia FIR.
▪ Both KEP and SCR deteriorated in comparison to 2023.
▪ Cyprus has no airports regulated under the performance and charging scheme.
Update on Military dimension of the plan
The air navigation services in Nicosia FIR are provided with reference to the arrangements which have been established through the implementation of regulation (EC) 2150/2005 “laying down common rules for the flexible use of airspace”. (see section 5, Application of FUA).
The implementation of the said Regulation has been achieved through the adoption of the “National Plan for the Implementation of FUA”, signed on the 2nd of July 2009. The implementation of the National FUA plan ensures to the maximum possible extent, the most efficient use of airspace, both by civil and military users.
The activities of the National Military Authorities are predominately executed over the National airspace. The cooperation between the national Civil and Military Authorities is excellent and the effect on civil aviation is minimal.
Over the high seas however, which constitute the majority of the Nicosia FIR, a number of foreign Military authorities, most commonly the Russian Navy, USA Navy, French Navy, Israeli Air Force, British Air Force and Turkish military forces, regularly performed operational flights and exercises throughout 2024. Additionally, air carrier operations in Nicosia FIR combined with the different military authorities made it necessary to implement and upgrade the coordination among the willing authorities.
The activities of the British and Israeli forces were coordinated fairly well with the national authorities (AMC) keeping the adverse effect on ATS to minimal effect.
The most significant impact on ATS is caused by the refusal of the Turkish authorities to coordinate or cooperate with Cyprus on the conduct of any military activities in Nicosia FIR. Turkish activity NOTAMS are issued by non-authorised entities relevant to these activities thus imposing a significant level of uncertainty on ATM management in Nicosia FIR adversely affecting capacity. A regular phenomenon is the penetration of Nicosia FIR or Cyprus National airspace in violation to ICAO procedures thus increasing the workload on ATC staff and hence having a detrimental effect on airspace capacity.
The geopolitical unrest in the South East Mediterranean region gave rise to the number of USA, Russian and Israeli operational flights (OAT). These flights were rarely coordinated with the ATS authorities thus causing additional workload to ACC staff and requiring route deviations by civilian airline operators. In this respect, it was not possible for operators to always follow the most “environment-friendly” routes. Nevertheless, the situation in RP3 was better than previous RPs, as a results of the continues efforts for better coordination with British and Israeli military authorities, enhanced cooperation among AMC/ATC units and aircraft carriers operating in the area.
Military - related measures implemented or planned to improve capacity
At the moment, no measures are foreseen since the military and geopolitical developments are not under the control of the ANSP.
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#6
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#7
Whilst the % appears low (implying a “not-so-efficent” management of airspace), the State considers that, the actual effect of airsapce reservations is quite low. Airspace reservations are done after coordination of the AMC with the military entities operating over high-seas. Most reservations are made at FL250 or below and do not impact the vast majority of civil en-route traffic.
It is clarified that the analysis above does not apply in case of actual military operations taking plance in the high seas within Nicosia FIR. Such operations DO impact GAT.
In any case, the NSA monitors the effectiveness of the performance via its routine documented oversight processes.
Initiatives implemented or planned to improve PI#8
Whilst the % appears low (implying a “not-so-efficent” management of airspace), the State considers that, the actual effect of airsapce reservations is quite low. Airspace reservations are done after coordination of the AMC with the military entities operating over high-seas. Most reservations are made at FL250 or below and do not impact the vast majority of civil en-route traffic.
It is clarified that the analysis above does not apply in case of actual military operations taking plance in the high seas within Nicosia FIR. Such operations DO impact GAT.
In any case, the NSA monitors the effectiveness of the performance via its routine documented oversight processes.